The empire strikes back - by invitation

Ukrainians queuing for free bread in early July. Mr Putin argued that a referendum showed the majority of Crimeans voted to secede from Ukraine and join Russia.

PHOTO: AFP

THE diplomatic concept of "Empire by Invitation" reached a high point during the Cold War when the two superpowers (the United States and the Soviet Union) built empires abroad. The concept was infrequently used after that war. Now, it is back in vogue.